HC extension to MCD to clear encroachments
by Adity Singh

    New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has given an extension of a month to the Government to clear encroachments in and around the capital's monuments. Justice Vijender Jain and Justice Rekha Sharma agreed to give some more time for the removal of the encroachments after Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) counsel Sanjay Jain informed the High Court that action has already been initiated by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and others to clear the encroachments. Jain also said that the work was being hampered because of legal complexities ,and therefore, demanded more time from the Court. While granting the extension, the High Court also issued summons to the Divisional Commissioner and Superintendent Archaeologists (ASI) in person.

    On January 24, the court summoned the two officials after noting that its repeated orders for clearing the encroachments were left unheeded by the Government agencies. The Centre had on February 14 set up a high-powered committee to take up the matter of illegal encroachments on public land. The MCD has taken up the work of demolition in most parts of the Capital, including the Lal Dora area. The Central Government has already announced the setting up of a high-powered committee to look into Delhi's illegal structures and directed the Delhi Government to target only ongoing unauthorised constructions and encroachments on public land under MCD's demolition drive. Headed by former Lt Gov Tejinder Khanna, known for his crackdown on illegal buildings while in office during the United Front rule, the committee includes Congress leader S C Vats and Delhi BJP chief Harsh Vardhan. The city Government has been asked to direct the MCD to focus its attention on ongoing illegal constructions and encroachments until the committee submits its report, which is expected in three months' time.

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